Washington DC, 12 April 2023 (TDI): The US Department of State announced today that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a trip to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Vietnam, and Japan from 12-18 April 2023.
The purpose of this visit by the US is to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and discuss its shared vision for the Indo-Pacific at the G-7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
During his visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from 12-14 April, Secretary Blinken will accompany President Biden on his first overseas trip since taking office.
Furthermore, the Secretary will participate in bilateral meetings and engagements with senior officials from the United Kingdom and Ireland, including discussions on issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, global health, and economic recovery.
From 14-16 April, Secretary Blinken will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, where he will hold discussions with senior Vietnamese officials to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership between the US and Vietnam.
Likewise, the Secretary will discuss shared visions of a connected, prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Indo-Pacific region, and explore avenues for expanding cooperation on a range of regional and global issues.
Secretary Blinken will then head to Karuizawa, Japan, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from 16-18 April. The meeting will bring together foreign ministers from the G7 countries to discuss a wide range of global issues, including:
- Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,
- Food and energy security
- Advancing an affirmative vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Additionally, the US Secretary will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
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In announcing the trip, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vadent Patel stated, “This trip underscores the US commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing shared interests in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Vietnam, and Japan.”
“Secretary Blinken’s engagements in each country will build upon our strong relationships and deepen our cooperation on key regional and global issues.”
The Secretary’s trip to Asia will be an opportunity to reaffirm the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and to work with partners and allies to address pressing global challenges.
